Drinking water economizer

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an economizer device having an expansion vessel provided with a pressure sensor Cp, a temperature sensor CT on a hot-water intake Ec, four valves, a non-return valve preventing the water from the cold-water intake EF from entering the expansion vessel, and an electronic board connected to the sensors and to the valves. The economizer device stores the cooled water coming from the hot-water intake in the expansion vessel until the water reaches a set temperature that is sufficient for supplying a point of use of a domestic installation using hot water. When the expansion vessel fills, the stored cooled water is preferably used as cold water to supply either the point of use with cold water or else another domestic installation provided to use cold water.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a § 371 filing of PCT application PCT/FR2017/053298 filed on Nov. 30, 2017, which claims priority from French application FR 1661941 filed on Dec. 5, 2016. The disclosures of these applications are included by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present invention relates to a device intended to equip household installations using hot drinking water in order to temporarily store the water cooled in the pipes connecting the hot water source and its usage point in order to reuse it later as cold water at said usage point or elsewhere, for example for another installation using cold water.

The invention also relates to a compact module incorporating this device and intended to equip a shower, sink, washbasin or any other similar usage point jointly using a hot-water intake and a cold-water intake.

State of the Art

Today, drinking water is a precious resource that must be saved for obvious ecological and economic reasons.

When one uses a household installation using hot drinking water and wishes to obtain hot water, it is common to let the hot water run for a time, until the water that reaches us is at the desired temperature. Indeed, the hot water cools in the pipes, and it is typical to let this cooled water run in the water outlet.

This drinking water is lost, and its quantity is non-negligible.

There is therefore a need for a system intended to recover this cooled drinking water to reuse it usefully, without it being lost.

Known from patent FR 2947615 is a water recovery device in household installations. This device is intended to operate without needing energy other than the pressure already present in the sanitary system. It therefore uses a pressure regulator installed on the cold water pipe upstream from a storage container with pressurized membrane.

This device is not satisfactory, however, since its energy-free operation is based on pressure differentials and in particular depends on different pressures existing in the cold water circuit and in the hot water circuit. The operation of this device is therefore disrupted during pressure variations in the system. Being adjusted for a given pressure, this device no longer works when one of the pressures of the system changes or when the pressure drops over time within the storage container. Its operation is therefore unreliable.

Likewise, this prior device cannot operate if the pressures of the system are low, and only has an optimal operation when the water system is at a high pressure, which generates an increase in the flow rate for the used water and is antagonistic to its primary purpose of saving water.

Furthermore, the prior device requires manual actuation to open and close a bypass tap, which is tedious and is not suitable for daily use where the user quickly ends up leaving the bypass tap closed and no longer uses the device.

Likewise, the prior device causes a permanent pressure difference between the cold water system and the hot water system, which may disrupt the efficiency of the mixers.

Furthermore, the prior device does not provide an effective measuring system for the temperature of the water entering the storage container. As a result, hot water may be introduced therein and be used like cold water, causing a serious malfunction of the mixer and an obvious risk for the users.

Lastly, in the prior device of patent FR 2947615, nothing is intended to ensure that the storage container is completely emptied during emptying thereof. It is thus subject to standing water that may cause health risks for the users.

Known from patent application FR 2956898 A1 is a water economizer device using two sets of solenoid valves. This economizer device is intended to work with a first so-called “high-pressure” circuit at a pressure of between 2 and 7 bars, and a second so-called “low-pressure” circuit at a pressure of between 0 and 2 bars, which represents a technical constraint. It requires a pressure difference created artificially by the addition of a low-pressure circuit and therefore cannot operate at the typical water pressures of household installations. This economizer device also uses a pressure switch and a flow rate detector, expensive and susceptible to failure, which is detrimental to the overall reliability of the economizer device. Furthermore, this economizer device is not fully automated and it is the user who must select the hot water or the cold water upon each use.

Lastly, this economizer device only works with a two-handle mixer-type tap, and is not compatible with a tap of the monobloc mixer type.

Description of the Invention

The object of the present invention, therefore, is to remedy the disadvantages of the prior art by proposing a new drinking water economizer device.

Another object of the invention aims to provide a drinking water economizer device that is simultaneously reliable, compliant with the existing sanitation standards, independent of the different pressures of the system, completely automated, and compatible with all types of household installations, in particular with monobloc mixer type taps and showers.

An additional object of the invention aims to provide a drinking water economizer that, in case of failure, must further allow the use of the household installations that it equips.

Another object of the invention also aims to provide a drinking water economizer that is compact in order to limit the heat losses of the hot water circuit and to limit its bulk, that is configurable to adapt to the technical specificities of each installation and the needs of each user, and that is inexpensive while in particular limiting the number and the cost of the component means implemented.

The objects assigned to the invention are achieved using a drinking water economizer device intended to be installed between at least one drinking water usage point of a household installation and the hot-water intake E_(c) and the cold-water intake E_(F) intended to supply this at least one usage point with hot drinking water and cold water, the economizer device being connected to said hot-water intake E_(c) and cold-water intake E_(F) and also being connected to the at least one usage point by a hot water outlet S_(c) and a cold water outlet S_(F) that respectively make up a hot-water supply and a cold-water supply for the at least one usage point, the economizer device being characterized in that it comprises:

-   -   a storage container VE having a first storage zone for the         cooled water and a second pressurized zone that are separated by         a membrane;     -   a pressure sensor C_(P) intended to measure the water pressure         in the first zone of the storage container VE;     -   a temperature sensor C_(T) intended to measure the temperature         of the water coming from said hot water intake E_(c);     -   a first valve V₁ located between the hot-water intake E_(c) and         the hot-water outlet S_(c);     -   a second valve V₂ located between the hot-water intake E_(c) and         the first zone of the storage container VE;     -   a third valve V₃ located between the cold-water intake E_(F) and         the cold-water outlet S_(c);     -   a fourth valve V₄ located downstream from the cold-water intake         E_(F);     -   a non-return device provided between the first zone of the         storage container V_(E) and the cold-water intake E_(F) to         prevent the water coming from the cold-water intake E_(F) from         entering the storage container V_(E);     -   an electronic board connected to the temperature sensor C_(T),         the pressure sensor C_(P) and the valves of the economizer         device in order to control them as a function of the temperature         indicated by the temperature sensor C_(T) and as a function of         the pressure indicated by the pressure sensor C_(P).

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the economizer device further includes a coupling provided between the third valve V₃ and the fourth valve V₄, on which the storage container VE is connected and on which at least one other household installation can be connected intended to use cold water.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the second valve V₂ is closed while the first valve V₁ and the third valve V₃ are open when the temperature of the water measured by the temperature sensor C_(T) is above a set temperature adjusted and stored in the electronic board, and the second valve V₂ is open while the first valve V₁ and the third valve V₃ are closed when said measured temperature is below said set temperature.

According to an additional exemplary embodiment of the invention, the fourth valve V₄ is closed when the pressure inside the first zone of the storage container VE measured by the pressure sensor C_(P) is positive or above a threshold value adjusted and stored in the electronic board, while the fourth valve V₄ is open when said measured pressure is nil or below said threshold value.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the first valve V₁ and the second valve V₂ are replaced by a three-way valve V₁₂.

According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, the third valve V₃ and the fourth valve V₄ are replaced by a three-way valve V₃₄.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the valves are solenoid valves controlled electrically.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the second zone of the storage container VE is placed under a relative pressure of between 0.1 and 6 bars, preferably between 0.2 and 3 bars, and more preferably between 0.3 bars and 1 bar.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the set temperature is chosen between 20° C. and 40° C., preferably between 25° C. and 35° C., and more preferably between 28° C. and 32° C.

According to an additional exemplary embodiment of the invention, the threshold value is preferably chosen between 0 and 2 bars, preferably between 0 and 1 bar, and more preferably between 0 and 0.5 bar.

According to one preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first, third and fourth valves V₁, V₃ and V₄ are valves of the type normally open, which allow water to pass when they are not controlled, while the second valve V₂ is a valve of the type normally closed, which does not allow water to pass when it is not controlled.

The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved owing to a shower column having a mixer connected to a shower head by a hose and incorporating a drinking water economizer device as described above.

The advantages of the present invention are particularly numerous.

The economizer device makes it possible to reuse the water cooled in the pipes connecting the hot water source and its usage point in order to prevent this water from being lost, thus allowing responsible water consumption. Indeed, when the expansion vessel is filled, the stored cooled water is used as a priority as cold water to supply either said usage point with cold water, or another household installation intended to use cold water.

By its component means, the economizer device can be provided in the form of a compact module intended to equip an existing or new household installation while minimizing its bulk.

These component means being limited in number and in cost, the economizer device is economically advantageous.

Depending on the manner in which it is connected to the household installation that it equips, this stored cooled water can be used as cold water to supply either the cold water usage point of this household installation, or another household installation intended to use cold water.

The economizer device works independently of the pressures within the system and the household installation.

It is reliable and has a fully automated operation owing to its electronic board and its solenoid valves. In case of failure, the economizer device does not bother the normal operation of the household installation that it equips.

By the pressurization of the storage container, the economizer device guarantees the complete emptying of the storage container, which prevents any standing water therein. Likewise, the integrity of the storage container is guaranteed, since the latter is emptied as a priority when its storage zone is pressurized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be seen more clearly from the following description, provided with reference to the appended drawings, provided by way of non-limiting examples, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the economizer device according to an embodiment of the invention in which it equips a shower column and returns cooled water to it in cold water form;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the economizer device according to the invention in which the hidden elements appear in ghost lines;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the economizer device according to the invention in which the hidden elements appear in ghost lines;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a shower column equipped with an economizer device according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, but in which the hidden elements appear in ghost lines;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the economizer device according to an embodiment of the invention in which it equips a shower column and a washbasin, with a storage container shared by both installations, and returns cooled water to them in cold water form;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the economizer device according to an embodiment of the invention in which it equips a shower column and where the cooled water can be used in another household or sanitary installation;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the economizer device according to an embodiment of the invention in which it equips a shower column and where the cooled water is only used in another household or sanitary installation;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 7, but in which two first valves have been replaced by a three-way valve and two other valves have been replaced by a four-way valve;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the economizer device according to the invention shown alone; and

FIG. 11 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 10, but in which two first valves have been replaced by a three-way valve and two other valves have been replaced by a three-way valve.

EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

The structurally and functionally identical elements shown in several different figures are assigned the same numerical or alphanumerical reference.

The economizer device (1) according to the present invention is intended to equip the hot drinking water usage point (2) of a household installation, for example a shower column (3), a sink, a washbasin or any other similar usage point jointly using a hot-water intake and a cold-water intake, said usage point (2) typically being equipped with a mixer (4) or any other similar means for mixing hot and cold water.

Such a mixer (4) is preferably a mixer (4) with thermostatic operation.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the economizer device (1) equips a hot drinking water usage point (2) coupled with a mixer (4) with electronic operation. The latter allows electronic management of the adjustment of the temperature, flow rates and any other configurable and programmable functions on the latter.

According to this example, the economizer device (1) may have a control interface in common with the mixer (4) and its actuation can be done directly from the latter.

In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, said usage point (2) is a shower column (3) in which the mixer (4) is simultaneously connected to a head shower and a shower head (5) by a hose (6). In this example, a shower column (3) can be marketed pre-equipped with an economizer device (1) according to the invention in the form of a single functional unit ready to be connected on the hot water circuit, on the cold water circuit and on the domestic supply water outlet system (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the mixer (4) can be actuated by two buttons (4′) accessible for the user of the shower (3).

The economizer device (1) is intended to be installed between a hot water source and its usage point (2), for example between the water heater and the mixer (4) of a household installation, and preferably as close as possible to the mixer (4).

The operating principle of the economizer device (1) according to the present invention consists of temporarily storing the water cooled in the pipes connecting the hot water source and its usage point (2) in order to reuse it later as cold water at said usage point (2) or elsewhere, for example for another installation using cold water.

Cooled water refers to the normally hot water coming from the hot water source, but which naturally tends to cool in the pipes when it stagnates. It therefore involves hot water that is at a temperature lower than that of the hot water initially supplied by the hot water source.

According to a embodiment of the invention shown schematically in FIG. 1, the economizer device (1) is intended to store the cooled water temporarily in the pipes in order to reuse it later as cold water at the mixer (4).

According to this embodiment, the economizer device (1) is connected on the hot-water intake E_(C) (7) and on the cold water intake E_(F) (8) upstream from the drinking water usage point (2) of a household installation. It is also connected on the mixer (4) of said drinking water usage point (2), at a hot water outlet S_(C) (9) and a cold water outlet S_(F) (10), thus respectively making up a hot water supply and a cold water supply for this mixer (4).

The economizer device (1) is connected on the hot-water intake E_(C) (7) by a pipe (11) on which a temperature sensor C_(T) (12) is mounted that measures the temperature of the water coming from the hot water source. It is this water that typically cools, in particular when the usage point (2) is several meters away from the hot water source.

Of course, “pipe” here refers to any means making it possible to place elements in fluid communication. This may for example involve copper tubes, PVC tubes, hoses, or any other means known in the plumbing field.

At its other end, said pipe (11) connected on the hot-water intake E_(C) (7) is also connected to a first T intersection (13), connecting it on the one hand to a first valve V₁ (14) by a pipe (15) and on the other hand to a second valve V₂ (16) by a pipe (17).

At its free end, the first valve V₁ (14) is connected to the hot-water outlet S_(C) (9) of the mixer (4) by a pipe (18).

At its free end, the second valve V₂ (16) is in turn connected by a pipe (19) to a second T intersection (21), connecting it on the one hand to a storage container VE (21) by a pipe (22) and on the other hand to a non-return device (23) by a pipe (24).

The storage container VE (21) is preferably in the form of an expansion vessel, which comprises a membrane (25) compartmentalizing it into two tight zones relative to one another, namely a first zone (26) in which the pipe (22) emerges and a second pressurized zone (27). The first zone (26) is intended to serve as storage space for the cooled water, while the second zone (27) is pressurized in order to pressurize this stored cooled water over the course of the filling of the storage container VE (21).

The second zone (27) is preferably placed under a relative pressure of between 0.1 and 6 bars, preferably between 0.2 and 3 bars, and more preferably between 0.3 and 1 bar.

The sanitary expansion vessel can for example be pre-inflated in the factory to 0.8 bars in order to be slightly less than that of the hot water system.

This pressurization is for example done by injecting pressurized fluid in the second zone (27), for example by injecting compressed air.

The use of a storage container VE (21) in the form of an expansion vessel advantageously makes it possible to place the first zone (26), used for storage of the cooled water, automatically and progressively under pressure during filling thereof. Thus, the cold water can easily be reinjected into the system to be used for cold water by leaving from where it entered, namely through the pipe (22), by passing through the non-return device (23). The use of the same pipe (22) for the entry and exit of the cooled water in particular makes it possible to simplify the design of the economizer device (1), but also to minimize its bulk and cost, while guaranteeing a reliable operation.

The non-return device (23) is preferably in the form of a check valve. At its free end, the non-return device (23) is connected by a pipe (28) to a third T intersection (29), connecting it on one side to a third valve V₃ (30) by a pipe (31) and on the other side to a fourth valve V₄ (32) by a pipe (33).

A pressure sensor C_(P) (34) is also intended to measure the water pressure in the first zone (26) of the storage container VE (21). This pressure sensor C_(P) (34) can be provided directly on the storage container VE (21) or can be provided between the storage container VE (21) and the non-return device (23), upstream or downstream from the second T intersection (20).

At its free end, the third valve V₃ (30) is connected to the cold-water outlet S_(F) (10) by a pipe (35).

At its free end, the fourth valve V₄ (32) is in turn connected to the cold-water inlet E_(F) (8) by a pipe (36).

It will be noted that the valves (14, 16, 30, 32) are preferably solenoid valves that can be controlled electrically. This can also involve any other type of valve whereof the opening and closing can be controlled, for example hydraulically or pneumatically.

The first, third and fourth valves (14, 30, 32) are valves of the type normally open, which allow water to pass when they are not controlled, while the second valve V₂ (16) is a valve of the type normally closed, which does not allow water to pass when it is not controlled. Thus, in case of malfunction of the economizer device (1), for example in case of electric current outage, the household installation remains fully functional, as if the economizer device (1) was not present.

According to a embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the first valve V₁ (14) and the second valve V₂ (16) can be replaced by a three-way valve V₁₂ (37). Likewise, the third valve V₃ (30) and the fourth valve V₄ (32) can be replaced by a three-way valve V₃₄ (38).

It will be noted that in FIG. 11, both the pair of the first and second valves (14, 16) and the pair of the third and fourth valves (30, 32) have each been replaced by a three-way valve (37, 38), although only one of these pairs of valves could have been replaced by a three-way valve.

In general, the first valve V₁ (14) and the third valve V₃ (30) are so-called “safety” valves, because their role is in particular to block the flow of water toward the outlets during the emptying phase of the hot water column that has cooled.

The second valve V₂ (16) is a so-called “bypass” valve because its role is in particular to allow the bypass of the hot water circuit toward the storage container VE (21) while waiting for the hot water to have reached a satisfactory temperature to truly be able to be considered hot water and to be used as is at the usage point (2).

The fourth valve V₄ (32) is a so-called “priority” valve because its role is in particular to give priority to the water stored in the storage container VE (21) when cold water is requested at the usage point (2) by blocking the arrival of cold water coming from the cold-water intake E_(F) (8), for example when a pressure greater than zero or than the threshold value is measured at the storage container VE (21).

The temperature sensor C_(T) (12) and the pressure sensor C_(P) (34) are connected to an electronic board (39), which in turn is connected to the various valves (14, 16, 30, 32, 37, 38) of the economizer device (1) in order to control them, in particular as a function of the temperature indicated by the temperature sensor C_(T) (12) and/or as a function of the pressure indicated by the pressure sensor C_(P) (34).

Of course, the electronic board (39) controls the opening and closing of the first, second, third and fourth valves (14, 16, 30, 32), and it controls the switching of each of the three-way valves (37, 38).

The electronic board (39) is preferably connected to a first easily accessible button (42) intended to start or stop the economizer device (1).

The electronic board (39) can be intended to be controlled and/or configured remotely, for example by a computer or a smartphone.

It can also be connected to an on-off switch making it possible to activate or deactivate the economizer device (1). In deactivated mode, the economizer device (1) is completely transparent for the installation that it equips, such that the latter can be used conventionally. Thus, when the economizer device (1) is deactivated, the first, third and fourth valves V₁, V₃, V₄ are open, while the second valve V₂ is closed.

The electronic board (39) can also include a safety to prevent the storage container VE (21) from filling needlessly, in particular in case of failure of the hot water source (6).

It may for example involve a timer that deactivates the economizer device (1) when the temperature sensor C_(T) (12) has not yet detected hot water after a determine length of time, for example after 2 minutes.

The economizer device (1) can also be intended to be deactivated, at least temporarily, when the storage container VE (21) is completely full.

The electronic board (39) can also include a clock, for example in order to actuate the economizer device (1) at a predetermined time, for example at 7 a.m., with the aim of storing the cold water toward the storage container VE (21) so that the user has hot water right away when he wishes to take a shower upon waking up.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a watertight casing (40) can protect all or part of the various valves (14, 16, 30, 32, 37, 38) of the economizer device (1).

Likewise, another casing (41) can also protect the electronic board (39).

It will be noted that the compact nature of the economizer device (1) of the invention indeed appears in these figures.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressure sensor C_(P) (34) can be a pressure gauge that measures the water pressure in the first zone (26) of the storage container VE (21) inside or outside the latter. In this case, the pressure sensor C_(P) (34) sends a precise measurement of the pressure to the electronic board (39).

According to this embodiment, the fourth valve V₄ (32) is closed when the pressure inside the first zone (26) of the storage container VE (21) measured by the pressure sensor C_(P) (34) is above a threshold value adjusted and stored in the electronic board (39), while the fourth valve V₄ (32) is open when said measured pressure is below or equal to said threshold value.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the pressure sensor C_(P) (34) can be a simple pressure-sensing switch or a pressure switch that transmits a signal to the electronic board (39) when it detects a pressure, according to a substantially binary operation.

According to this embodiment, the fourth valve V₄ (32) is closed when the pressure sensor C_(P) (34) detects a positive pressure inside the first zone (26) of the storage container VE (21), while the fourth valve V₄ (32) is open when the pressure sensor C_(P) (34) no longer detects positive pressure.

A pressure-sensing switch or a pressure switch is less expensive and more reliable than a pressure gauge, but it does not make it possible to indicate an exact pressure value to the electronic board (39) for a configurable control of the economizer device (1) as a function of the water pressure in the first zone (26) of the storage container VE (21) inside or outside the latter.

The operation of the economizer device (1) according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will now be described.

The cold water coming from the cold-water intake E_(F) (8) passes through the third valve V₃ (30) and the fourth valve V₄ (32) to supply the usage point (2) with drinking water, at the cold-water outlet S_(F) (10). This water circulation occurs owing to the water pressure of the cold water system.

At the third T intersection (29) located between the third valve V₃ (30) and the fourth valve V₄ (32), this cold water does not move toward the second T intersection (20) in the direction of the storage container VE (21) due to the presence of the non-return device (23) provided here between the second T intersection (20) and the third T intersection (29).

The hot water coming from the hot-water intake E_(C) (7) reaches the first T intersection (13), between the first valve V₁ (14) and the second valve V₂ (16). Its temperature is measured by the temperature sensor C_(T) (12).

If this temperature is below a set temperature, for example adjusted and stored in the electronic board (39), this cooled water is considered to be cold water. The first valve V₁ (14) leading to the drinking water usage point (2) is closed, the third valve V₃ (30) is also closed, and the second valve V₂ (16) is open, so that the cooled water is steered toward the storage container VE (21). This water circulation occurs owing to the water pressure of the hot water system. The third valve V₃ (30) is closed such that no hot or cold water can be used at the drinking water usage point (2).

When the temperature of the hot water coming from the hot-water intake E_(C) (7) is above the set temperature, this water is considered to be hot water. The first valve V₁ (14) leading to the drinking water usage point (2) is open, as well as the third valve V₃ (30), so that the hot water is steered toward the hot-water outlet S_(C) (9) of the drinking water usage point (2) and the second valve V₂ (16) is closed, so that the hot water does not enter the storage container VE (21). This water circulation occurs owing to the water pressure of the hot water system. The third valve V₃ (30) is open, such that the drinking water usage point (2) can be used normally to consume hot water and/or cold water.

The set temperature is preferably chosen between 20° C. and 40° C., preferably between 25° C. and 35° C., and more preferably between 28° C. and 32° C. Of course, this set temperature depends on the user's needs and characteristics of the household installation.

When the pressure inside the storage container VE (21) is positive or reaches a threshold value, for example adjusted and stored in the electronic board (39), this cooled water passes through the non-return device (23) to serve as cold water at the drinking water usage point (2). In this case, the fourth valve V₄ (32) is closed so that the cooled water stored in the storage container VE (21) supplies the drinking water usage point (2), at the cold water outlet S_(F) (10). This water circulation occurs owing to the pressure of the cooled water stored under pressure in the storage container (21).

When the pressure inside the storage container VE (21) is nil or falls below the threshold value, the fourth valve V₄ (32) is opened again so as to supply the cold drinking water usage point (2) with the cold water coming from the cold-water intake E_(F) (8).

The threshold value is preferably chosen between 0 and 2 bars, preferably between 0 and 1 bar, and more preferably between 0 and 0.5 bars. Of course, this pressure threshold value depends on the user's needs and characteristics of the household installation.

The economizer device (1) preferably includes a wall fastening plate (44) for fastening it to the wall when it is mounted within a household installation.

The pipe (11) connected on the hot-water intake E_(C) (7) and the pipe (35) connected on the cold-water intake E_(F) (8) each preferably emerge on said plate (44) with connecting parts (44) suitable for being connected on said intakes (7, 8).

According to another embodiment of the invention, the economizer device (1) can also be embeddable in a wall.

The economizer device (1) of the invention is intended to equip a shower column (3), a sink, a washbasin or any other similar usage point jointly using a hot-water intake and a cold-water intake. As an example, in FIGS. 4 and 5, it is shown equipping a shower.

According to the embodiment of the invention shown schematically in FIG. 1, the economizer device (1) is intended to store the cooled water temporarily in the storage container VE (21) in order to reuse it later as cold water at the mixer (4) of a single shower column (3).

In the typical case where a residence has several hot drinking water usage points (2), an individual economizer device (1) can equip each of these usage points (2).

According to the embodiment of the invention shown schematically in FIG. 6, these individual economizer devices (1) can then include a shared storage container VE (21) to store the cooled water temporarily therein so as to reuse it later as cold water at the mixer (4) of the multiple hot drinking water usage points (2). The use of a shared storage container VE (21) allows savings on space and costs. This shared storage container VE (21) can be located at a distance from the other elements of each individual economizer device (1), since it is not intended to store hot water.

In the case where the stored water cannot be consumed, in particular for legislative reasons, the skilled person may, however, adopt this embodiment of the invention so that the water coming from the shared storage container VE (21) cannot for example be used at the tap of a sink or a wash basin (see FIG. 8).

In FIG. 6, only two individual economizer devices (1) are shown, but it is obvious for the skilled person that this number is not limiting, and that it suffices to adapt the capacity of the shared storage container VE (21) to the number of hot drinking water usage points (2) equipped with a device (1) according to the invention.

According to the embodiment of the invention shown schematically in FIG. 7, the economizer device (1) is intended to store the cooled water temporarily in the storage container VE (21) in order to reuse it later as cold water at least at one other household installation (45) intended to use cold water, for example the toilets (46), washing machines (47), dishwashers, a storage device (52) supplying other taps, such as watering, car washing, etc. According to this embodiment, the cooled water that has been stored in the storage container VE (21) can be reused at a hot drinking water storage point (2).

The operation of the economizer device (1) according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 will now be described.

According to this embodiment, the “hot” part of the device is identical in operation to that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, in particular regarding the first valve V₁ (14) and the second valve V₂ (16). Thus, when the hot water is at a high enough temperature, it supplies the usage point (2) with hot water, and when this temperature is too low, the cooled water is stored in the storage container VE (21).

According to this embodiment, the “cold” part of the device is identical in operation to that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, in particular regarding the first valve V₁ (14) and the second valve V₂ (16). According to this embodiment, the economizer device (1) further has a coupling (48) provided between the third valve V₃ (30) and the fourth valve V₄ (32), on which the storage container VE (21) is connected and on which the at least one other household installation (45) is connected. The coupling (48) is preferably provided at the third T intersection (29). The coupling (48) can be in the form of a closable connection part, which is closed when the economizer device (1) is used according to the embodiment shown schematically in FIG. 1, i.e., when the economizer device (1) is not intended to supply another household installation (45).

The cold water coming from the cold-water intake E_(F) (8) supplies the drinking water usage point (2) by passing through the third valve V₃ (30) and the fourth valve V₄ (32), at the cold-water outlet S_(F) (10). When the pressure measured by the pressure sensor C_(P) (34) is positive or it reaches the threshold value, the fourth valve V₄ (32) is closed such that the water stored in the storage container VE (21) supplies the at least one other household installation (45) with cold water. In this case, the third valve V₃ (30) is preferably open such that the cold water can also be reused at the drinking water usage point (2). This water circulation occurs owing to the pressure present in the first zone (26) of the storage container VE (21).

When the pressure inside the storage container VE (21) measured by the pressure sensor C_(P) (34) is nil or below the threshold value, the third valve V₃ (30) and the fourth valve V₄ (32) are open such that the cold water coming from the cold-water intake E_(F) (8) can supply both the drinking water usage point (2) and the at least one other household installation (45). This water circulation occurs owing to the water pressure of the cold water system.

When the pressure inside the storage container VE (21) measured by the pressure sensor C_(P) (34) is positive or reaches a threshold value adjusted and stored in the electronic board, the third valve V₃ (30) is preferably open and the fourth valve V₄ (32) is preferably closed, such that the cooled water from the storage container VE (21) passes through the non-return device (23) to serve as cold water at the at least one other household installation (45), here a toilet (46) and a washing machine (47). This water circulation occurs owing to the pressure of the cooled water stored under pressure in the storage container VE (21).

According to the embodiment of the invention shown schematically in FIG. 8, the economizer device (1) is intended to store the cooled water temporarily in the storage container VE (21) in order to reuse it later as cold water at least at one other household installation (45) intended to use cold water, for example the toilets (46), washing machines (47), dishwashers, a storage device (52) supplying other taps, such as watering, car washing, etc. According to this embodiment, the cooled water that has been stored in the storage container VE (21) cannot be reused at the drinking water usage point (2), in particular when it involves a sink or a washbasin, in order to satisfy the sanitation standards that exist in certain countries, and which prohibit use as drinking water for water that has been stored.

According to this embodiment, the economizer device (1) has a configuration substantially identical to that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7. According to this embodiment of the invention shown schematically in FIG. 8, the difference lies in the fact that the connection between the third valve V₃ (30) and the fourth valve V₄ (32) is eliminated such that the cooled water that has been stored in the storage container VE (21) cannot reach the drinking water usage point (2). Thus, a connection directly connects the third valve V₃ (30) to the cold-water intake E_(F) (8).

According to this embodiment, the economizer device (1) further has a coupling (48) provided between the fourth valve V₄ (32) and the non-return device (23) on which the storage container VE (21) is connected and on which the at least one other household installation (45) is connected.

The cold water coming from the cold-water intake E_(F) (8) directly supplies the drinking water usage point (2) at the cold-water outlet S_(F) (10) while passing through the third valve V₃ (30) and supplies the at least one other household installation (45) by passing through the fourth valve V₄ (32) and the coupling (48). This water circulation occurs owing to the water pressure of the cold water system.

When the pressure measured by the pressure sensor C_(P) (34) is positive or it reaches the threshold value, the fourth valve V₄ (32) is closed such that the water stored in the storage container VE (21) supplies the at least one other household installation (45) with cold water by passing through the non-return device (23), then the coupling (48). This water circulation occurs owing to the pressure of the cooled water stored under pressure in the storage container (21).

When the pressure inside the storage container VE (21) measured by the pressure sensor C_(P) (34) is nil or below the threshold value, the fourth valve V₄ (32) is open such that the cold water coming from the cold-water intake E_(F) (8) can supply both the drinking water usage point (2) and the at least one other household installation (45). This water circulation occurs owing to the water pressure of the cold water system.

This configuration makes it possible to prioritize the water from the storage container VE (21) to supply the at least one other household installation (45) while prohibiting the use of the water stored in the storage container VE (21) as potable water at a sink or a washbasin.

It will be noted that the economizer device (1) of the invention comprises means that can be used in several ways, in particular depending on the configuration and the nature of the system to which it must be connected. These means are shown schematically in FIG. 10.

As previously mentioned and shown in FIG. 11, the first valve V₁ (14) and the second valve V₂ (16) can be replaced by a three-way valve V₁₂ (37), like the third valve V₃ (30) and the fourth valve V₄ (32) can also be replaced by a three-way valve V₃₄ (38).

When a coupling (48) is provided between the third valve V₃ (30) and the fourth valve V₄ (32) to supply at least one other household installation (45) intended to use cold water, the coupling (48), the third valve V₃ (30) and the fourth valve V₄ (32) can also be replaced by a four-way valve V′₃₄ (53).

Thus, as an example, FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the economizer device (1) of FIG. 7, but in which the first valve V₁ (14) and the second valve V₂ (16) are replaced by a three-way valve V₁₂ (37), and in which coupling (48), the third valve V₃ (30) and the fourth valve V₄ (32) are replaced by a four-way valve V′₃₄ (53).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the economizer device (1) can also include a flow reducer (49) upstream or downstream from the mixer, but still upstream from the head shower and the shower head (5). This flow reducer (49) can be mounted on the casing (41). In FIGS. 2 and 3, the flow reducer (49) is provided upstream from the mixer, but ideally it is provided downstream from the mixer so as not to disrupt the function of the mixer, in particular when the flow rate is too low.

The flow reducer (49) is preferably provided in a branch (50), a valve (51) being intended to be able selectively to pass the water into the branch (50) equipped with the flow reducer (49) when it is closed or to make it pass normally when it is open. A second easily accessible button (43) can be intended to actuate the valve (51) in order to activate or deactivate a water saver operation, called “ECO function”, of the economizer device (1).

In general, a flow reducer (49) can be provided both between the cold-water intake E_(F) (8) and the economizer device (1), and between the hot-water intake E_(C) (7) of the economizer device (1).

It is obvious that this description is not limited to the examples explicitly described, but also includes other embodiments and/or implementations. Thus, one described technical characteristic can be replaced by an equivalent technical characteristic without going beyond the scope of the invention, and one described functional step of embodiment of the method can be replaced by an equivalent step without going beyond the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

For example, it will be obvious for the skilled person to adapt the economizer device (1) of the invention in the case of a household installation comprising several hot-water intakes E_(C) (7) and/or several cold-water intakes E_(F) (8). 

1. A drinking water economizer device adapted to supply at least one usage point having a hot water outlet S_(C) and a cold water outlet S_(F) comprising: a storage container VE having a first storage zone for cold water and a second pressurized zone separated from the first storage container by a membrane; a pressure sensor C_(P) adapted to measure a water pressure in the first zone of the storage container VE; a temperature sensor C_(T) adapted to measure a temperature of water coming from a hot water intake E_(C); a first valve V₁ located between the hot-water intake E_(C) and the hot-water outlet S_(C); a second valve V₂ located between the hot-water intake E_(C) and the first zone of the storage container VE; a third valve V₃ located between a cold-water intake E_(F) and the cold-water outlet S_(F); a fourth valve V₄ located downstream of the cold-water intake E_(F); a non-return device provided between the first zone of the storage container VE and the cold-water intake E_(F), the non-return device adapted to prevent water from the cold-water intake E_(F) from entering the storage container VE; and an electronic board operatively connected to the temperature sensor C_(T), to the pressure sensor C_(P), and to each of the the first valve V₁, the second valve V₂, the third valve V₃, and the fourth valve V₄, the electronic board adapted to control each of the first valve V₁, the second valve V₂, the third valve V₃, and the fourth valve V₄ as a function of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor C_(T) and as a function of the pressure measured by the pressure sensor C_(P).
 2. The economizer device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one usage point comprises at least a second usage point, and wherein the device further includes a coupling provided between the third valve V₃ and the fourth valve V₄, wherein the coupling is adapted to connect the storage container VE to at least the second usage point.
 3. The economizer device according to claim 1, wherein the second valve V₂ is closed while the first valve V₁ and the third valve V₃ are open when the temperature of the water measured by the temperature sensor C_(T) is above a set temperature stored in the electronic board, and wherein the second valve V₂ is open and the first valve V₁ and the third valve V₃ are closed when the measured temperature is below the set temperature.
 4. The economizer device according to claim 1, wherein the fourth valve V₄ is closed when the water pressure inside the first zone of the storage container VE measured by the pressure sensor C_(P) is positive or above a threshold value stored in the electronic board, and wherein the fourth valve V₄ is open when the measured water pressure is one of nil, below the threshold value, and equal to the threshold value.
 5. The economizer device according to claim 1, wherein the first valve V₁ and the second valve V₂ are replaced by a three-way valve V₁₂.
 6. The economizer device according to claim 1, wherein the third valve V₃ and the fourth valve V₄ are replaced by a three-way valve V₃₄.
 7. The economizer device according to claim 1, wherein each of the first valve V₁, the second valve V₂, the third valve V₃, and the fourth valve V₄ comprise solenoid valves controlled electrically.
 8. The economizer device according to claim 1, wherein a pressure of the second pressurized zone of the storage container VE is between 0.1 and 6 bars.
 9. The economizer device according to claim 3, wherein the set temperature is between 20° C. and 40° C.
 10. The economizer device according to claim 4, wherein the threshold value is between 0 and 2 bars.
 11. The economizer device according to claim 1, wherein each of the first valve V₁, the third valve V₃, and the fourth valve V₄ are a normally open valve, and wherein the second valve V₂ is a valve of the type normally closed valve.
 12. A shower column comprising the economizer device according to claim
 1. 13. The economizer device according to claim 8, wherein the pressure of the second pressurized zone of the storage container VE is between 0.2 and 3 bars.
 14. The economizer device according to claim 13, wherein the pressure of the second pressurized zone of the storage container VE is between 0.3 and 1 bar.
 15. The economizer device according to claim 9, wherein the set temperature is between 25° C. and 35° C.
 16. The economizer device according to claim 15, wherein the set temperature is between 28° C. and 32° C.
 17. The economizer device according to claim 10, wherein the threshold value is between 0 and 1 bar.
 18. The economizer device according to claim 17, wherein the threshold value is between 0 and 0.5 bars.
 19. The shower column according to claim 12, further comprising a mixer having inlets operatively connected to the hot-water outlet S_(C) and to the cold-water outlet S_(F) and an outlet operatively connected to a head shower and, via a hose, to a shower head. 